French symphonic power metal band Fairyland are thrilled to announce the release of their new studio album “The Story Remains”, scheduled for June 13th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Following the release of “A New Dawn”, the band now share the new single and accompanying video “To Stars and Beyond”, out now.
Watch the official lyric video for “To Stars and Beyond” below.
Bassist Willdric Lievin described the new single: “‘To Stars and Beyond’ was the first song from the new album we were working on. In this track you have everything you love about Fairyland – massive, majestic symphonic sound, juicy guitar solo, multilayered, rich orchestrations, catchy chorus and uplifting lyrics sung by our amazing new singer Archie Caine”.
“This song is about rebirth and renewal, it reminds you that after every dark time and hardship there’s a light coming, that you can turn your pain and your sorrows into something beautiful. You’re the master of your own life, you create it and as long as there’s a fire inside you, you can reach ‘to stars and beyond’”, he added.
Talking about the new record, Lievin stated: “After the passing of the Fairyland’s founder and mastermind Phil Giordana, we faced the challenge to finish the fifth album. Phil left plenty of material, but it required a lot of further work. It wasn’t easy but in the face of adversity we excelled and managed to complete the album. This, along with a new lineup, starts a new chapter in the history of Fairyland. It continues the symphonic, power metal quality that Fairyland is known for, but we decided to add some new elements to this musical landscape”.
“‘The Story Remains’ is richer and more versatile than previous albums, and we are exploring new musical and lyrical territory for the band. We are happy and proud of this new album, and we hope that listening to it will give you a lot of delight. Welcome back to Fairyland”, he continued.
French Symphonic Masters Fairyland are back with the long-awaited album “The Story Remains”. The band is a well-known name in the symphonic metal scene, appreciated and with a specific trademark made of majestic orchestration able to bring the listeners in their fantasy world.
Fairyland was formed in 1998 as Fantasia by Philippe Giordana and Willdric Lievin. Both musicians shared the same passion for epic and symphonic heavy metal. Fantasia recruited guitarist Anthony Parker and entered Wizard Studio in February 2002. During the recording, they found Elisa C. Martin, already known for her work with the power metal band Dark Moor.
At this time, the band’s name was changed to Fairyland. They signed a contract with NTS (now Replica Records). “Of Wars in Osyrhia” was released in April 2003. Shortly after, the band toured with Sonata Arctica and performed at the Swedish Rock Festival.
The second album “The Fall of an Empire”, was recorded with: P. Giordana, A. Parker, Max Leclerqc , Pierre-Emmanuel “Piwee” Desfray and Thomas “Tom” Cesario, and was released in 2006. A European tour with Kamelot and Leaves’ Eyes followed.
After the tour, the band split up. While working on the new material, Philippe decided to use the services of guest musicians for his next album. “Score To A New Beginning” was released in 2009, also marking the return of Willdric Lievin.
The fourth album “Osyrhianta” was released in 2020 (line-up: Philippe Giordana, Willdric Lievin, Francesco Cavalieri, JB Pol, and Sylvain Cohen).
Philippe Giordana passed away on October 21st, 2022. In March 2023 Archie Caine was announced as the band’s new lead singer. In 2024 the line up was completed with Gideon Ricardo, Brieuc De Groof and J.B Pol.
“The Story Remains” perfectly incarnates the band’s trademark sound, and songs like “A New Dawn” or “Karma” are a perfect example of the amazing album that will make every symphonic metal freak’s heart beat with excitement!
Pre-order & pre-save “The Story Remains” here.
Tracklist:
1. Downfall
2. To Stars and Beyond
3. Karma
4. A New Dawn
5. We Shall Hunt the Sun
6. Hopeless Still
7. Samsara
8. Unity
9. Council of the Gods
10. The Chosen Ones
11. Unbreakable
12. Postscript
13. Suffering Ages (Feat. Elisa C. Martin)
Line-up:
Archie Caine – Vocals
Willdric Lievin – Guitars, bass, backing vocals
Gideon Ricardo – Keyboards
Brieuc De Groof – Guitars
JB Pol – Drums
Weblinks:
www.fairylandband.com
www.facebook.com/Groupe.Fairyland.Officiel
